Anil Charanjeett who was last seen playing impactful roles in blockbuster films like Sooryavanshi and Shershaah, celebrates the 12th anniversary of his debut film in Bollywood. While celebrating the journey, he recollects the memories from his debut project, “Hello Darlings.” Besides Anil, this comedy-drama film featured actors like Sunny Deol, Javed Jaffrey, Celina Jaitley, Isha Koppikar, Gul Panag, and Chunky Panday. It was directed by Manoj Tiwari and produced by Ashok Ghai.
Narrating the story of his first shot in Bollywood, Anil Charanjeett says, “The first break is always special, and the story behind it makes it even more special. 12 years ago, in July 2010, I shot for this song (film-Hello Darling). Actually, let’s go back and add 2 more years. In 2008, I joined Subhash Ji’s film institute, Whistling Woods International. After a few months, we learned that an office set was being constructed on the rooftop. We used to go and watch the shooting in our free time. It starred Sunny Deol, Javed Jaffery, Celina Jaitley, Isha Koppikar, and Gul Panag. Time passed and somehow the film’s shoot got delayed for unknown reasons.”
“We finished our 2nd semester, and the film shoot was on. We were in our final semester and the film shoot was still on. In the final semester, I edited my showreel and handed over a DVD copy to Subhash Ji in the lift and forgot about it,” said Anil.
He further continued the story, “Somewhere at the end of June 2010, I had just passed my 2-year diploma course and was living with my senior, Jayesh, in his house. I got a call from student production. Hi Anil, This is Maria. Is it a good time to talk? I said yes. As if I had a choice, lol. I was looking for work. She said that Subhash ji wants to meet you. Please note down the address and the number. On this big day, I was suffering from a 100-degree fever, but I got super excited.”
“My hands were shivering. Before I could call Subhash ji, I got a call. Hi, this is Subhash Ghai. “Are you free now?” I remember saying “yes” all the time. I kept the phone, changed my clothes, and took an auto straight to Carter Road. I was welcomed by his pet pug and a maid. They escorted me to the living room. I stared at his house for a good 10 minutes. I completely forgot that I had a fever,” expressed Anil Charanjeett.
In describing the most memorable conversation, Anil Charanjeett asserted, “Then enters the showman, Mr. Subhash Ghai. I could hear the background music dhina dhin dha He sat on the sofa and asked, “Can you speak Punjabi?” I said, “Yes, sir.” Can you dance? I said, “Yes, sir.” “If it was today, How’s the Josh? High sir” Lol. We had a week’s time. And the rest is history!”
Anil Charanjeett has come a long way! He has starred in films like PK, Raees, Sacred Games, Hasee Toh Phasee, Sanju, Namaste England, Hero, Golmaal Again, Simba, etc. Some of his future projects include Thai Massage, SarCar Ki Seva Mein, and Cirkus (Christmas). We wish him good luck in his future endeavours.
